Smith was the second in his family to play for UMass lacrosse, joining his father, Norm
The University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse program begins an alumni-centric series featuring many of the program's all-time greats, in which they update friends, fans and fellow alums. Participating alumni discuss what it means to be a part of the program, how UMass impacted their growth and success and share messages of support with the current team.
Entry #3: Kyle Smith '13, the second in his family to play for UMass when he suited up for the Gorillas from 2010-13.
What is your fondest memory or memories of playing lacrosse at UMass? Kyle Smith: Definitely the camaraderie and relationships. The daily interactions in the locker room, practice or off the field is what I treasure most. I would also say the 2012 season was a lot of fun. It didn't end the way we would of liked, but we played the game the right way and had great leadership. A really tight knit team.
Kyle Smith '13 with his
father, Norm Smith '79 at the
2013 Alumni Game.You are the second of your family to play lacrosse at UMass. What did it mean to you when you made the decision to attend UMass and play lacrosse, to join your father in the UMass lacrosse family? KS: Growing up in Longmeadow and having the exposure I did to the program, it meant everything for Coach Cannella to give me an opportunity. My grandfather was close with Coach Garber, and my dad thought the world of him when he was a player. Between the passion they had for the program and the insight my Dad had on Coach Cannella, it really made it a no brainer as something I wanted to be a part of.
And you honored that connection in a unique way during your senior season back in 2013... Yes - My Dad gifted me a vintage Garber Gorilla T for my senior year. It was something I only wore on game days as an undershirt. It was just a way to pay tribute to the tradition of the program and the players and coaches that built it.
How are you passing the time right now while we are socially distancing? KS: A lot more time with family, which is nice, getting to see my parents and in-laws daily has been one of the positives coming out of the quarantine.
What does "Gorilla Lacrosse" and/or "Garber's Gorillas" mean to you?Kyle Smith '13 celebrating
Merrimack's 2018 NCAA
National Championship
with his father, Norm Smith '79. KS: Tradition, and a mindset of we will play anyone, anywhere, anytime.
You're in the coaching ranks now at Merrimack – what have you taken from your UMass playing days with you to Merrimack as you help build the newest Division I program? What did Coach Greg Canella or assistant coaches Doc Schneider and Brian Jacovina teach you that you are using as a coach now? KS: I have taken so much. I learned a tremendous amount from the coaches and they are a big reason why I got into coaching. I had Doc his first four years in coaching and he did such a nice job of relating to players, bringing them into the UMass family and developing relationships on and off the field with them. What Coach Cannella has been able to do at UMass is remarkable, the sustained success, the leadership he provides, building off the Garber legacy. UMass is lucky to have him. Often times when I am faced with difficult decisions, I ask, "what would Coach do?"
What message of support do you have for the 2020 Gorillas, those returning for 2021 and those graduating, right now? KS: Focus on what you can control and get better from your time away. Let the fur fly.
Men's lacrosse alumni interested in participating can reach out to communications director Cody Lahl at clahl@umass.edu. Follow Massachusetts men's lacrosse on Twitter (@UMassMLacrosse), Instagram (@UMassMLAX) and Facebook (/UMassMensLacrosse).
